Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thankful Thursday - Sept. 30, 2010

Happy Thursday Everybody!! 
 I know it's late and the day is about over, but I still wanted to let everyone know what I'm thankful for today...


I'm thankful that the rain has finally stopped.  I know that probably this time last week I was wishing for rain, but we've had a plenty now....flash flood warnings here in our little town with two neighborhoods already evacuated...

I'm thankful that I've finished my Day Zero Project list and will begin working on it tomorrow, Oct. 1.  I'm so excited about accomplishing all of the goals that I've set for myself...


I'm thankful that I've gotten lots of extra sleep since I've been on my intercession.  I really needed it!


I'm thankful that I was able to buy gas today for $1.05 per gallon, thanks to the Bi-Lo Fuel Perks program.  I had saved up rewards that totaled to $1.45, so Charles and I met and just about filled up both vehicles for just a little cash!


And, as always, I'm thankful for my three wonderfully well-rounded children and my sweet, loving husband...I love you all!

Thursday Thunks - Sept. 30, 2010


1. When was the last time you went to the doctor? Do you like your doctor?  I last went to the doctor in March, I think.  Yes, I really like my doctor....he's a layed-back guy who puts your nerves at ease.

2. My back is itching, will you scratch it for me?  I'll scratch it very briefly, if your shirt is still on....no bare skin scratching....sorry...

3. Do you have nice handwriting?  I've had positive comments on my manuscript writing...I'm a teacher so I have to write clearly so the students can read it.  My cursive is not great.

4. We are sending you to either New Zealand or Canada, which one do you choose?  Canada...I can walk home if I need to.

5. Do you sing in the shower?  No, but I do pray in the shower...

6. Have you ever been streaking? If so, how far did you streak and did anyone see you?  No way...

7. How soon is too soon for Christmas decorations and music playing in the stores?  Christmas decorations and music before Thanksgiving is too early for me.  I understand that merchants need to get their stuff out, but I love Halloween and Thanksgiving and want to enjoy those two days before thinking about Christmas.

8. If you celebrated Halloween as a kid what was the costume you wore at 5?  Who knows?  That was much too long ago....

9. How many cavities have you had in your life?  Too many to count....

Buzz On By Thursday - Blog Hop

Welcome to “Buzz on by Thursday” blog hop, hosted by Fashionably Organized, The Two Savvy Sisters, Emmy’s Closet and Sunny Bug!
Buzz on By Thursday is a great way to meet new bloggers and increase your Google followers! So join us, we promise you will have a blast!

Good Thursday Morning, Sept. 30, 2010

Good morning everyone....I'm up bright and early on this Thursday morning, wondering what I can accomplish.  My intercession is about half over and so far, I've done, well, not much.  That's OK though.  I needed a real break. 

We've had so much rain that now there's a flash flood warning.  The lake is really high and Crooked Creek is out of its creek bed.  We went from one extreme to the other....drought to flooding!  According to the weather report, the rain is ending and fall temperatures will be here for the weekend.

Today is "70's Day" at MCHS.  L wore a tie-dye shirt, but the other kids didn't participate.  Tomorrow is "Spirit Day" and the girls and their friends have matching shirts to wear.  The homecoming parade is also tomorrow, and then the big game against the Darlington Falcons.  GO BULLDOGS, GO!!

Well, enough for now.  I'll be back later with more....

<3
Jo

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

What I'm Loving Wednesday - Sept. 29, 2010

I'm linking up with littledaisymay at this kind of love today of another week of
What I'm Loving Wednesday..


I'm loving all of the rain that we are finally getting here in SC.  It was really needed....


I'm loving Homecoming Week at MCHS.  The kids are having so much fun dressing up each day, and I'm having too much fun helping them out with craft ideas.

I'm loving that my willpower and determination are still strong, and as of yesterday, I've lost another 6 pounds.....YAY ME!!


I'm loving that I've finally finished my Day Zero Project list of 101 in 1001....now I've got to decide upon a starting date...probably Oct. 1, 2010 (10-01-10).  I can hardly wait to get started!!  It's going to be a lot of hard work, but rewarding and satisfying...

Link up to make your own list - http://www.dayzeroproject.com/

I'm loving that Wednsday is now Survivor night.  I've kept up with every season, and it's by far my favorite on-going TV show!


And, always, I'm loving my life, my sweet husband, and my super children.

Happy Wednesday Y'all!!

<3
Jo

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Blogging Thru the Alphabet - F

Every day or so, I’m going to blog about things, people, ideas, concepts, places, etc. that start with a different letter of the alphabet. The letter for today is F….

Freestyle - I love my car....a 2006 Ford Freestyle.  It is by far the nicest car I've ever had and I've been totally satisfied with it.  Chuck ordered it from Meggs Ford, so it is a custom-made car just for me.


fingernails - Anyone who knows me knows that I was a nail-biter.  I bit my fingernails from the time I had teeth up until about two years ago, and for some unknown reason, I just stopped.  My nails are not beautiful, or long, or smooth, or strong, or perfect, but at least I can say that I'm not a nail-biter anymore!  Hooray for me!!


firefighters - I live with two brave, loyal firefighters...Chuck and Charles.  They are both on the Bennettsville and Wallace Fire Departments.  I'm very proud of them and their work in the community.  I cannot imagine what it would be like to walk into a burning building, and don't ever want to experience it, but thank GOD that there are those men and women who are willing to risk their lives daily to help others.


Facebook - What can I say?  I'm addicted.  I peruse the wall to see what people are talking about and usually find out something new each day.  I love to look at the new pictures and the funny status updates that are posted.  I have played the FB games like Farmville, Cafe World, etc., but really don't any more.  I just suddenly  lost interest in them.  I think that Facebook is a wonderful tool that brings people closer together and makes communication and interactions more convenient, even when people are separated by distance. 

Follow Me Back Tuesday

Happy Tuesday Everybody!!
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Follow Me Back Tuesday is another day of the week that you can gain more followers and find other great blogs to follow on a weekly basis. 

Follow Me Back Tuesday is hosted by  Boobies,BabiesAndABlog..  

Monday, September 27, 2010

Top Two Tuesday - Sept. 28,02010


Top 2 Favorite Songs..

(favorite songs my kids listen to..)
King of Anything by Sara Bareilles
Product Details
Uncle Kracker's Smile
Product Details

(favorite fairly new country songs..)
Miranda Lambert's The House That Built Me
Revolution
American Honey by Lady Antebellum
Product Details

(favorite classics..)
Here Come Those Tears Again by Jackson Browne
Product Details
Bob Segar's Against the Wind
Product Details
Sorry that I could not just pick two....I have so many favorites from so many years of listening to music...

<3
Jo

Miscellany Monday

Happy Monday y'all!

It is still raining here in SC, but that's OK...we need every drop we can get, so keep it coming!
I'm linking up with Carissa's Miscellany Monday today to share these random thoughts that are on my mind!

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters

{one}
My intercession is going great!  I slept in again today....really late.  I didn't even crack an eyelid until 12:15!  I've got to start getting up a little earlier though, so I can at least accomplish a few things on my list before going back to school.
{two}
After picking up L and MJ from school, we rode over to L'burg and walked around in Dollar Tree.  I love that store....just lots and lots of inexpensive stuff that you don't see anywhere else!  The girls each got a pair of butterfly wings to wear to school tomorrow....Tacky Day....
{three}
I'm still working on my 101 in 1001 list....I think I'm up to #83....
{four}
The girls and a few of their friends want to make t-shirts to wear on Friday for Class Day....I think we'll get together tomorrow afternoon and paint t-shirts...craft projects make me HAPPY!!
{five}
Did I mention that it's finally raining??
That's about it for tonight....I'm about finished with today and looking forward to tomorrow!  Hope you are too!
<3
Jo

Monday Mayhem

Join Us for Monday Mayhem
1. Why do you blog?
I blog because it gives me some "me time."  Also because I hope that someone somewhere will read it and learn more about me, the things I do, and how I feel..

2. Name your three best memories.
June 14, 1992 - the day I married Chuck
Aug. 27, 1993 - the day Charles was born
Aug. 15, 1995 - the day L and MJ were born
(I've made lots of other "best memories" over the years, but these three are definitely the best BEST!!)

3. Name 4 of the best fiction books you’ve read.
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos
Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff
The Man Who Loved Clowns by June Rae Wood
(I'm a middle school ELA teacher....I love to teach using books that are written for adolescents.)

4. What are the 5 best movies ever made? (and that I love….)
The Wizard of Oz
The Sound of Music
Hairspray
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Secondhand Lions

5. Name 5 things I can’t live without.
Since you said “things” and not “people” I don’t have to feel bad for not listing my husband and children...
my toothbrush and toothpaste
diet Coke
lotion (very dry skin...)
computer with internet
comfortable shoes

6. If you could change your name what would it be?
I like my name. I was named after my uncle and great-uncle, and for a female, that pretty unusual....but if I HAD to change it, it would be to Mary Anne...after two aunts instead of uncles.

7. Tell us a unique and interesting fact about yourself.
I can write backwards, upside down, and backwards-upside down - in cursive!

8. What do you love best about yourself?
I'm usually patient with others, and I'm crafty...

9. If you had a “Freaky Friday” experience, who would you change places with?
Gosh, that's an interesting question...never thought about that...I'd change places with Angelina Jolie...because of her darling children, of course...

10. What is the best thing about being a woman.
Being able to have children, and also being able to blame mood swings, bad moods, changing our minds, etc. on "being a woman"...

Meet Me on Monday - Sept. 27, 2010


Monday, Monday....may as well make the most of it....

1.  How many TV’s do you have in your home?
3 - one in the den, one in the kitchen, and one in L and MJ's room

2.  What is on your bedside table (nightstand)?
a lamp, an antiquated clock-radio, several books, and, when I'm sleeping, my glasses

3.  How many pair of shoes do you own?
more than 20 and most of them are either Birkenstocks or Crocs

 4.  Can you change a flat tire?
I think I could figure it out, but luckily I've never had to.

5.  Do you prefer sweet treats or salty treats?
Sweet....but I'm trying really hard to have willpower and resist temptations...

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010

Good news!!  It's finally raining here in SC!  It's been so long since we've had a drop.  Chuck cut the grass yesterday and when you looked out, all you could see was a dust cloud.  So thankful for all we've gotten today.....God, keep it coming!

We've had a busy day.  Charles cleaned up in his room, and L and MJ worked in their room.  The girls want to change their room around and I told them to do whatever they wanted to do....hope that was not a mistake.  Charles was kinda funny....he said that he'd not seen so much empty space on the floor in a long time!  I wish that they could keep their rooms half-way straight....fingers are crossed. 

Lawren wanted Mexican for supper, so instead of going out, she and I went to the gro. store and got the things we needed to cook some of her favorites at home.  She wanted chicken enchiladas, and I let her make them by herself.  They turned out pretty good too!  We also had soft shell tacos with lettuce, tomato, onion, black olives, jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, etc....  We also make Spanish rice.  MJ fixed herself a plate of nachos.  I think everyone enjoyed "International Night" at the Black house... :)

We are all waiting for the premier of The Amazing Race.  I did not watch the first or second season of this series, but have enjoyed the past few years of shows.  I really like pretty much all of CBS's reality shows...Survivor and Big Brother are my FAVORITES!!



I have big plans for the coming week.  I want to finish up my 101 in 1001 list so I can start working on striking off what I've accomplished.  I am going to help Chuck get his office straightened out at MCHS.  It's homecoming week, so there are lots of activities planned that L and MJ will want to participate in.  I'm also going to work a little along on getting ready for Friday night's Post Game on Main.

Well, it's about time for my show...more later maybe...

<3
Jo

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Day Zero Project - -101 in 1001

I stumbled across this "Day Zero Project" and it piqued my interest.  The details of the project are this, as from the website.

About The Project

Welcome to Day Zero, the home of the 1001 Day Project. A unique challenge that inspires you to set and achieve your personal goals in life.


The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.


The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).


Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

At first, I thought that it would be a breeze to come up with 101 goals, but I soon found out that I was wrong.  After much soul-searching and researching, I've come up with 83 goals.  I'm trying really hard to put thought into the goals that I commit to.  I want them to be relevant and meaningful to my life and to the life of my family.  I want this project to bring good along the way and certainly want it to end with success. 

As I continue to struggle with the last 18 goals, I'm going to continue to tweak the ones that I have written down.  I want all to be right, and then I'm going to passionately begin with the finish in mind.

Who knows, maybe number 101 will be to make another list of goals... :)

Saturday 9

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Just Like Me

1. Who in your life do you think behaves and thinks the most like you do?  I behave and think like my mama did, and I think MJ is following along in the same footsteps.

2. As a kid, were you ever wrongly accused (and punished, if it went that far) for something you didn't do? If so, what was it? What happened?  In 6th grade, I was accused of smoking cigars in the bathroom at school.  I did not do it, so I was definitely wrongly accused....no punishment besides the interrogation....that was punishment enough.

3. What about as an adult, were you ever wrongly accused for something you didn't do?? Do you think it's worse to be accused as a child or an adult? Why/why not?  I cannot remember being wrongly accused of something as an adult.  It's probably worse being wrongly accused as a child because children don't have the words or the experience to handle the situation properly.

3. What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?  The scariest weather situation was when Hurricane Hugo blew through Cheraw....really scary for both me and Mama.

4. If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be and why?  I would wake up in Austria....it appears to be such a beautiful country of rolling green hills.

5. Instead of going to work Monday, if you could spend the entire day doing something else--any one or two things that you absolutely love doing--what would you do?  I don't have to go to work on Monday because we're on intercession, but I would love to spent the entire day at the beach in a lounge chair reading and listening to the waves roll in.

6. What sites (other than meme sites) do you use most to help you post on your blog?  I don't really use any other sites, but write about what's happening in our families' life.

7. Check out a post on your blog from six months ago (March 2010) and tell us what is different now about your blog and/or life?  Sorry, I was not blogging 6 months ago....ask again in a few months and I can answer...

8. What was the last photograph you took?  I took a photo of Chuck walking out of his school....IDK why though....

9. Which fashion trend do you believe is the most horrendous and why?  I think boys/men who walk around with their pants sagging is worse than horrendous.....I think it is terrible, horrible, disgraceful for males to walk around with their whole behinds hanging out, and wish that they could see themselves through my perspective. 

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fill in the Blank Friday

Happy Friday Everybody!  It's a gorgeous day here in SC.
Lauren over at the little things we do has up her questions and answers for the weekly
 "Fill in the Blank Friday"
and I thought I'd link up and play along...

1.   In the story of my life the actor who would play me would be     ummm, IDK...maybe Florence Henderson from "The Brady Bunch" or Shirley Jones from "The Partridge Family"... retro choices, but they both have experience with teenagers.

2.  If I could change one thing about the world it would be       for everyone to be accepting, and tolerant of others who may be different, and for everyone to treat others as they would like to be treated.

3.  Yesterday       I got to spend time with all three children and my husband, so it was a good day!

4.  My favorite comfort food is         oatmeal....when nothing else sounds good to me, a good ol' pot of oatmeal hits the spot.
5.  My new favorite blog find is     Mila's Daydreams....it's the most precious blogspot ever....go check it out!

6.  If I could meet any blog friend (who I haven't met yet) in real life, I'd choose to meet       IDK yet....I'm still really new to this blogging thing....ask again in a few months and I may have an answer.
7.  My favorite breakfast food is        waffles with peanut butter and grape jelly...don't indulge in it very often though    . 

Friday's Lunch - Sept. 24, 2010

I'm back on track....for the time being, at least.  I've got to lose more weight and become healthier.  I lost 50+ pounds on WW (thanks to Jenny - ILY friend!), and then got a little slack over the summer.  Well, I'm on the straight and narrow now, making good choices and watching my portions.  HOORAY for me!  (Just a little positive self-motivation...:)

Anyway, here's what I had for lunch today....delicious!!
Lean Cuisine Wood Fire Style Margherita Pizza - 6 points
Diet Coke - 0 points
I may eat a banana later in the afternoon, if I get hungry....

<3
Jo

Fun Follow Friday

TGIF y'all.....
My Wee View
Welcome to Fun Follow Friday hosted by Simply Stacie and My Wee View. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! We wanted to keep it fun and easy so all you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Fun Follow Friday unless you want to (but we really appreciate it if you do – to help get the word out).



Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thursday Thunks



1. We are changing your name. You have no choice. You get to pick it, but we must approve it. You must have a good reason. Ok, what is the name and reason?  I think my new name would be "Mary Anne", after two of my favorite aunts, Mary Mattox and Anne Anderson.

2. I say Shotgun, you say?  I say, "Charles, if you shoot any doves, don't think you're going to clean them under the carport again!"

3. We are sending you away. Africa or Mexico?  Ummm, Mexico....Africa is TOO far away!

4. When you're home alone, do you still close the door when you use the restroom? Sometimes....depending on what I'm doing in there....

5.  Berleen told me that I have to ask a mean question. Tell us about a horrible memory.  My neighbor, a "good Christian man", used to tease me about being overweight....he really used to hurt my feelings!

6. What are your plans for October? I am going to enjoy my intercession, clean up around the house, and be conscientious about my food choices.

7. Is there anyone that you regret ever meeting ? No, because everything happens for a purpose, and if I'd not met someone, my whole life circumstances may be different.

8. You have 3 months left to live, what do you do?  Love my children and husband, visit with family and friends, and rejoice about my upcoming meeting with Jesus.

9. You wake up in an unfamiliar place, what is your first reaction? Oh my, where am I?

10. Your phone rings at 4am, just before you kill this person, who do you expect it would be?  Someone is very sick, hurt, or dead, but it's probably the alarm company calling for Chuck.
.
11. You're having a bad day, what one thing can make your day better? My children telling me that they love me, and CHOCOLATE!!

12. If money were not a problem, where would you like to live?  I'd live here in SC, but probably closer to the beach.

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for the beautiful, sunny South Carolina weather.  I heard several people today complaining about the heat, but before long, they'll all be complaining about the cold.  Personally, I love hot weather, but am also looking forward to cooler fall temps!
I'm thankful that Charles and I had a successful shopping trip today to Florence and he got some clothes and boots that he wanted.  Hopefully he's set for at least the next few months.

 I'm thankful that L and MJ's new phones came in today....if they had not, I would have probably lost my religion....


I'm thankful that I'm patient and flexible enough to just go with the flow....

I'm thankful  that our church sponsors "Post Game on Main" after the home BULLDOG football games, and teenagers have a safe, supervised place to go and hang out.

I'm most thankful that for this week, with God's help, I've had the strength and willpower to make good, healthful choices, and I'm back on the right track.


Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010

Good Thursday afternoon....hope it's been a good one so far!

I got to sleep in again this morning.  Dozed until around 11:00 and then got up.  I've checked out Facebook, my blog, and my 101 list.  Finally jumped into the shower and got dressed.  Had to hurry because I'm waiting on the FedEx man to bring L and MJ's new phones. 

Charles is being very impatient because he's ready for me to come pick him up from school and go shopping in Florence.  He wants to go buy some Carhartt pants and some new boots.  I'll admit, he needs both, but he just needs to wait until I get there.  School is important, and he cannot miss too many days in any class.

L and MJ have been texting asking about getting black t-shirts to spray paint for the pep rally tomorrow.   They and a group of friends want to paint a different letter on each shirt to spell out something....I've not been given that info. yet..  Anyway, I'm hoping that they won't rush the project and will wait to do it as a group for homecoming week, which is next week.
Class of 2013....
MCHS plays Dillon tomorrow night at home, and we'll have Post Game on Main afterwards.  Tomorrow will be a long day....but that's OK, as long as it's for the kids.  They are worth my every minute of every day!

Well, probably more to come later, but for now...still waiting for the FedEx man.....

<3
Jo

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

What I'm Loving Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010

Happy Wednesday, y'all.....


I'm loving that my first day of intercession is finally here, and I got to sleep in....didn't wake up until 11:15a.m.


I'm loving that I've decided to work on my 101 in 1001 list....boy, it's a difficult, soul-searching endeavor though.

I'm loving that I am a state employee and can get about a 20% discount on my Verizon wireless bill.  Got to take a pay stub to my wonderful Verizon representative, Evan Lee, and get signed up for that! 


I'm loving Lipton diet green tea....delicious, cool, and refreshing!


I'm loving the October 2010 issue of Everyday with Rachel Ray....finally got a chance to start reading it last night.


I'm loving the first day of fall, even though it's still in the 90's and feels like summer here in SC.


Finally, and always, I'm loving my hard-working husband and my three gregarious teenagers....help me Lord!